MICHELIN GUIDE TO UNVEIL FIRST-EVER GLOBAL HOTEL KEY SELECTION ON OCTOBER 8, 2025

• New MICHELIN Key distinctions and four exclusive Special Awards to be revealed in Paris,France

The MICHELIN Guide is proud to announce the launch of its first global

MICHELIN Key Selection, set to be revealed on October 8, 2025.

Following the successful rollout of MICHELIN Key distinctions in 15 top travel

destinations throughout 2024 and early 2025, this milestone marks the debut of

a worldwide selection celebrating the most outstanding hotels across the globe.

In addition to the MICHELIN Keys, The MICHELIN Guide will introduce four

brand-new Special Awards, spotlighting excellence in specific areas of

hospitality.

The announcement will be made both online—via the Guide’s social media and

editorial platforms—and in person during an exclusive ceremony in Paris.

For the first time, travelers will benefit from a seamless experience that

combines trusted MICHELIN distinctions with integrated booking services,

making it easier than ever to discover and reserve the world’s finest hotels. 

The MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection and the MICHELIN Keys.

Internationally renowned for its restaurant selections and Star ratings, The

MICHELIN Guide has in recent years built an independent global hotel selection

featuring over 7,000 properties located across 125+ countries.  

Just as the iconic Stars indicate the best culinary experiences, the MICHELIN

Keys highlight the most outstanding stays within the Guide’s hotel selection.

Carefully evaluated by The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors following 5 universal

criteria 1 , the MICHELIN Keys qualify each hotel experience in broader terms than

simple amenities, to establish a new international and reliable benchmark for

exceptional hospitality: 

1. The hotel is a gateway to the destination;

2. Excellence in interior design and architecture;

3. Quality and

consistency in service, comfort and maintenance;

4. Consistency between the level of experience and the price

paid;

5. Uniqueness, personality and authenticity.

One MICHELIN Key: a very special stay 

This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the

mold, offer something different, or simply be one of the best of its type. Service

always goes the extra mile and provides significantly more than similarly priced

establishments. 

Two MICHELIN Keys: an exceptional stay 

Somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable

experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality and charm

that’s operated with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or

architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to

stay. 

Three MICHELIN Keys: an extraordinary stay 

It’s all about astonishment and indulgence here – this is the ultimate in comfort

and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world’s most remarkable and

extraordinary hotels and a destination for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements

of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory

and hearts of travelers. 

After celebrating over 1,500 outstanding hotels through its initial Key selections,

The MICHELIN Guide now goes a step further in showcasing the very best of

global hospitality, with Inspectors currently finalizing this first worldwide

selection. 

Introducing Four New Special Awards.

In addition to the MICHELIN Keys, The MICHELIN Guide will introduce four

Special Awards, recognizing properties for achievements that transcend classic

categories, and celebrating excellence and uniqueness in specific hospitality

fields: 

• MICHELIN Architecture & Design Award: Celebrates hotels whose

architecture and design inspire unforgettable journeys, and elevate the

guest experience through a distinctive aesthetic identity.  

• MICHELIN Wellness Award: Recognizes properties with pioneering and

holistic wellness programs nurturing body, mind, and spirit. 

• MICHELIN Local Gateway Award: Honors hotels that offer guests

immersive connections to their surroundings, evoking the character and

spirit of their region. 

• MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award: Rewards newly opened hotels that

have made an exceptional impact on the hospitality landscape within their

first year. 

Each Special Award will be attributed to one winning property. The winner will

be revealed during the Ceremony on October 8th, 2025. Ahead of this,

nomination lists (five nominees per award) will be unveiled on the MICHELIN

Guide social media and editorial platforms according to the following schedule: 

• Architecture & Design Award Nominees: August 13th 

• Wellness Award Nominees: August 27th 

• Local Gateway Award Nominees: September 10th 

• Opening of the Year Award Nominees: September 24th 

The MICHELIN Guide Hotels Ceremony  

The unveiling of the 2025 MICHELIN Keys selection will take place both digitally

– across The MICHELIN Guide social media and editorial platforms – and

physically during an exclusive Ceremony to be organized in Paris on October 8 th ,

2025. 

Offering a glimpse into timeless culture and exceptional design, The MICHELIN

Guide Hotels Ceremony will take place at the spectacular Musée des Arts

Décoratifs in Paris, overlooking the Louvre Palace and the Tuileries Garden.  

This exclusive professional event will gather a selection of awarded hotels

(represented by approximately 300 international hoteliers), Special Award

winners, top journalists, and leading industry opinion leaders. 

Conceived as an immersive and celebratory occasion, the Ceremony will honor

global hospitality cultures, genuine concepts, and remarkable know-how.